Things To Do In Miami

Visitors will find a healthy array of things to do in Miami Florida, involving both the great outdoors and the hip trappings of the big city. Miami's South Beach-Miami Beach district continues to be one of the larger draws for this hip and scintillating southern city, offering some of the best Miami hotels and Miami beaches. Miami attractions have something for everyone, from marine activities to exciting shopping and cultural opportunities. Consider these suggestions for things to do in Miami on your upcoming southern Florida vacation.

Soak Up Some Sun on Miami's Beaches

The Miami area boasts some of the best Florida beaches, with ideal sandy stretches where a myriad of recreational activities can be enjoyed. The Miami Beach-South Beach shores offer up the most trendy Miami beaches where people watching is at a premium. Along Miami Beach, cafes and other eateries line the strip and each area features different facilities and amenities. You'll also find some of the city's best beaches on Key Biscayne, some ideal for water sports and others offering relaxing seclusion. Miami's beaches have something for everyone and enjoying them is among the top things to do in Miami Florida.

Take a Trip to the Miami Metrozoo

Found at 1 Zoo Boulevard, The Miami Metrozoo is quite large, its 81 exhibits set on 740 total acres. The zoo's new "Amazon and Beyond" exhibit itself will top the average American zoo in size. A shoe in for family things to do in Miami FL, this zoo offers wonderful educational programs and is dedicated to the overall conservation of the world's natural wildlife species. The Miami Metrozoo features an array of shows, tours and daily "Keeper Talks". Plan on arriving to the Miami Metrozoo early, as you will want ample time to explore all it has to offer. The park is open year round with the main facilities operating from 9:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.

Visit the Cape Florida Lighthouse

Part of beautiful Key Biscayne's Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, this picturesque lighthouse is a welcome visit for maritime enthusiasts looking for things to do in Miami Florida. It was built in 1825, making it the oldest building found in southern Florida. You can explore the lighthouse on your own or join one of the guided tours. Enjoy a relaxing moment in the Lighthouse Café and take advantage of the nearby Cape Florida beach. Cape Florida is open from dawn to dusk, with lighthouse tours offered at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily.

Spend Some Time at the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk

One of the most popular things to do in Miami FL for visitors is hang out at the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk, where miles of beaches and walking trails allow for relaxing strolls, bike rides and hours of people watching. Find a mix of cafes and bars, and dine at one of the boardwalk's restaurants. There is a thriving beach theatre at the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk, featuring the "Theatre Under the Stars" concert series on Monday nights. Hollywood is located between North Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale along Highway 1.

Enjoy the Recreational Possibilities at Tropical Park

Conveniently located at 7900 SW 40th Street, just off the Palmetto Parkway and minutes from the Miami airport, Tropical Park is one of the city's largest parks and offers a wealth of things to do in Miami. You will find a number of athletic facilities and fields where you can enjoy just about every sport, and anglers can spend hours freshwater fishing. If you are looking for a great spot to celebrate a birthday party or lay out an afternoon picnic spread, Tropical Park offers the ideal settings. The park has four lakes where you can swim, canoe or go paddle boating. View native wildlife like lizards, birds, iguanas, squirrels, ducks and alligators, among others.

Enjoy Miami's Nightlife

South Beach is the undisputed king of Miami nightlife, offering some of the hippest bars and clubs anywhere on the planet. Nightlife revelers will also find exciting Miami nightlife in the Design District and in Downtown Miami, where new hot spots continue to emerge. You can also find plenty of evening adventure in Coconut Grove, and nearby Coral Cables boasts a more relaxed overall scene. Enjoy the sophistication of a downtown jazz and blues bar, or seek out the sultry Afro-Cuban rhythms in Little Havana. For a change of pace, head to dinner and follow up with a flamenco dancing performance, or head to a cabaret show. Get your fill of laughs at Miami's comedy clubs or duck into a sports bar for the big game. Any way you slice it, going out on the town is a top draw among things to do in Miami.

Explore the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens was formerly a vacation estate built in 1916 by the wealthy agricultural industrialist, John Deering. The main house was designed to mimic an Italian villa that had been lived in for generations. Its interior rivals that of the finest European castles and housed inside its walls are an extraordinary assembly of fine art and luxurious furnishings. The estate's ten acres of gardens are equally as impressive and the historic Vizcaya Village will enjoy significant renovations. The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is located at 3521 S. Miami Avenue and is open daily from 9:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. You won't regret adding this stunning estate to your list of things to do in Miami FL.